Temperance
Of Jupiter and Moons

Leda, Elara, Himalia, Io, Europa, Callisto, Ganymede are some of the moons of Jupiter, some of the 69 moons that are presently confirmed to be circulating the biggest planet in our solar system. It is also towards that destination Italian band Temperance take aim in their new album, an album that is their fourth. I reviewed their previous one and found it quite appealing but I also found it being a bit on the long side. Since that previous album they have undergone a major change in their line-up, new female vocalist a male vocalist and new instrumentalists, most of the band is changed since last time. Perhaps to the dismay of some fans but I find the changes to be mostly positive.

Etiquettes like power metal, melodic metal, female fronted metal, and many more similar things can be used to describe the sound of this album. I think enough said is that it is a very catchy power metal album with strong melodies and a fairly fresh sound even though there are one or two Nightwish-like moments. The vocals are both male and female and the vocalists do a really good job and I like all of them. The production is really strong as well, the sound is rather excellent in fact and some of the songs are infectiously catchy. And the album feels short enough and varied enough to keep you listening for the duration, but of course it is not as long as the time it takes to travel to those moons of Jupiter.

Daruma’s Eyes, the ending track is really strong, as is the title track – there are some insanely catchy songs on this album, and I also think that the album is without any major flaws. It is an enjoyable album that I would certainly consider to have on my iPod to listen to during the voyage to Jupiter and its many moons where perhaps Europa would be the best choice, or perhaps Callisto that receives less radiation from Jupiter, to put up a base or colony. Perhaps it is from such a place the cover image has been taken; I like the cover of this album as well. I think that the changes the band has undergone has been really successful, sure Chiara was a better vocalist but Alessia isn’t bad and she might actually be more suitable for the direction the band is going in.

And then I guess it is time to round it all of by concluding that it is a good musical companion for the Jupiter and moons travel, it probably works on Callisto, or Europe, or whatever other moon you want to land on. It is an album I recommend without reservation, I think it is well worth checking out and that it is an album that offers more or less all you could want from a power metal album. And it works even if you aren’t considering a visit to Thebe, Metis, Mneme, Hermippe, Dia or any of the others.

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